Simplicity holds immense power. This notion, beautifully explored by Adam Grant and Jay Shetty, revolves around a fundamental idea: Promote your ideas, not yourself.
Let’s consider the transformative impact of this idea reflecting on why and how we approach self-promotion.
On a situation that emerges time and time again in Client work. Whether the source is from feedback, or self-awareness, the presenting issue is the same.
“I don’t like self promotion and it’s holding me back”
Imagine the daunting challenge, hesitating to present your thoughts at key meetings, for fear of rejection or failure, in an effort to ultimately avoid potential shame or embarrassment.
The result?
You are frustrated, disappointed with yourself, question your abilities (that voice in your head starts again) despite the fact you were sitting with very evidence of your competence in the meeting all along.
Now, let's reframe it.
Rather than fearing rejection for presenting your thoughts, recognize that your ideas exist independently of your identity.
They are entities you carry and advocate for, but do not define you. This separation can unlock a world of possibilities. You are not your ideas or your work. You identity is more complex than that.
Take social media, for example. Many, myself included, grapple with the fear of appearing attention-seeking. Yet, by letting our egos hinder the delivery of ideas that someone out there needs, we limit their purpose.
Ironically, the fear projected is the very obstacle that constrains us the most.
Through years of researching, I've developed the Be Braver mindset, a model that fills me with pride. It's a theory and a model I designed to bring joy, change, opportunity, and growth to those who embrace it. It isn’t me. It’s an idea and a body of work I have created.
Much like changing my name to Pankhurst won't turn me into the next Emmeline Pankhurst. It was a decision I made to inspire me to be the best version of me I can be. By the values I hold dearest.
As a behaviour it asks me to use the skills, knowledge and experience I have to propel a more equitable future by awakening the courage within us all.
Connecting to something larger than ourselves, rooted in an understanding of self-psychology, becomes the key.
When we get stuck, and get in our own way, we can find a pathway forwards by connecting to something bigger than the self.
In service to others, an idea, team or customer even. The notion of doing difficult things to advocate for others somejoe gives it us more impetus.
A decade of research underscores my belief that historical and future advancements—be it in society, a team, the bedroom or the boardroom—are the outcomes of brave actions and courageous decisions.
Courage, as Aristotle noted, is the virtue that makes all others possible. Over time, this virtue has become disproportionately associated with masculinity, sidelining the courageous efforts of women who face daily risks and challenges.
My mission, my idea, is to challenge this bias and restore courage to everyone. It's not about claiming we aren't brave; it's recognizing that, to achieve personal or professional growth, we need to be braver again. Hence, I emphasize being braveR.
My evolving definitions and theories explore the interplay between self and others in relation to brave actions and courageous decisions. Leadership, I argue, involves ensuring others not only recognize but also witness courage in themselves and each other—a crucial foundation for risk-based decisions.
In an unpredictable and ever-changing world, where uncertainty looms large, our homes, relationships, teams, and communities offer sanctuaries. It is here that we can tap into individual and collective courage, understanding that it's not a scarce trait but a plentiful virtue we should fearlessly exercise.
My writing journey is one of courage. Pulling me back to not share is the voice in my head (called Westminster incidentally) questioning the quality, impact and style of writing I produce. The analytics graphs look front of mind. With every word I type. I’m not Adam Grant, after all. People want video not words. Short not long. Bite size not paragraphs.
But pushing me are values and a belief above all else, that there is an abundance of lapsed courage in the world, waiting to be activated, and I refuse to let my anxieties about ego get in the way of enabling my own courage to serve its purpose. Sharing my ideas.
Your ideas are what the world needs to hear. They are are uniquely yours as the face in the mirror. Have as much validity in this world as the next persons. The thoughtful considered ones from those smart enough to have self awareness. Who question, ask and explore their own thinking. If your ideas are rejected, it is your ideas that are rejected. Not you. That’s how we learn together.
Do not fall in to the trap of thinking your ideas are you. Advocate for your ideas, work, projects and teams. Represent. Speak on behalf of.
Remember, your ideas are not you. Which is what keeps an ego in check, because when your ideas are lauded and celebrated – be sure to remember, that’s not you, that’s your idea!